What is a Unique Entity ID and how do I get one?

The Unique Entity ID is the twelve-character identifier that replaced the DUNS number as the federal government's way of identifying entities it does business with. You request one free through sam.gov, and it is the first step of registering.

No UEI means no federal award

Every federal grant application asks for it. Without a Unique Entity ID there is no SAM.gov registration, and without a registration there is no award — so this is the first thing to sort out, not the last.

Check an organization

Free, no account. Every answer carries its source and date.

This is informational only, derived from public data on the dates shown. It is not an eligibility determination, and not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Verify against the official source before relying on it.